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Not Bread Alone in Amherst putting on a worldy spread for fundraiser - summer party Friday

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Congressman Jim McGovern talks with Russell Jordan of Amherst during a visit to the Not Bread Alone community meal program located at the First Congregational Church in Amherst. The program is holding a summer bash and fundraiser Friday at the church at 5 p.m.
(Republican File Don Treeger)

AMHERST – Not Bread Alone is having a summer bash Friday – a chance to eat and dance and raise money for the soup kitchen that provides three meals a week and on holidays.

Called “A Taste of Not Bread Alone Cuisine sans Frontieres,” volunteer soup kitchen chefs are offering tastes from around the world including a vegetarian dish from Bangladesh by Tulip Chowdhury called Chot Poti, a Chinese inspired chicken dish by Paul Lam, a chicken curry by Kathy Nelson and a pad Thai by Connie Conn.

The party is a way to highlight the kitchen, said Bob Stover, program supervisor and volunteer coordinator for the Springfield-based Center for Human Development supported agency.

“So many people who volunteer and cook bring experience and recipes and ideas from around the world,” he said.

Last year, the party with its Latin theme, brought in about $400. That money was used for food and supplies to run the meal program.

They are hoping to repeat that success, but Stover said “it’s a summer party and fundraiser, if doesn’t (raise that much money) at least we’re all having fun and partying on a summer evening.”

The party begins at 5 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Amherst, 165 Main St., on the lawn if the weather is fine, inside if it’s not. The suggested donation is $5 per dish.

Local musicians Hannah Elliott – the former kitchen supervisor - Damon Reeves, the Jordan River Band and sitar playing by a Not Bread Alone regular and local middle east cultural expert, John Paul.

The kitchen serves about 35 to 50 people on Wednesday and Sunday meals, Stover said, and between 60 to 85 on Saturdays. The kitchen also serves meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.